Pickleball pro rankings are numerical representations of the performance and skill level of professional pickleball players. They are based on various criteria and methodologies, such as tournament results, points earned, ratings, and categories. There are different sources of pickleball pro rankings, such as the World Pickleball Rankings, the Professional Pickleball Association, and the USA Pickleball Association. These sources may have different rankings for the same players depending on their criteria and methodology.
How Pickleball Pros Are Ranked?
Pickleball pros are ranked by participating in sanctioned tournaments and events that award points or ratings based on their performance. The points or ratings are calculated using different formulas and factors, such as the number of entrants, the level of competition, the match results, and the category. The points or ratings are then accumulated over a certain period of time, such as a year or a season, and used to rank the players in each category.
Top Pickleball Pros to Watch
Anna Leigh Waters Pickleball
Anna Leigh Waters is a teenage pickleball sensation who has won multiple gold medals in major tournaments, including the US Open, the Tournament of Champions, and the PPA Championships.
She plays with her mother Leigh Waters as her partner in women’s and mixed doubles, and is known for her aggressive style and powerful shots. She is currently ranked #1 in women’s doubles and #3 in mixed doubles by the PPA.
Jessie Irvine Pickleball
Jessie Irvine is a professional pickleball player who is ranked in the Top 5 in all three divisions of women’s pro pickleball. She is known for her on-court passion, athleticism, and fierce “come on’s!” during crucial points.
She plays with Jay Devilliers in Mixed Doubles and Catherine Parenteau in Women’s Doubles. Irvine comes from a successful tennis career, having been a top 10 Junior Tennis Player, a former WTA Pro Tennis Player, and a Top Women POP Tennis Player.
She started playing pickleball in 2018 and quickly rose to the top of the sport. She has won several titles, including gold & silver medals at the 2019 Tournament of Champions, gold & silver medals at the 2019 Margaritaville USA Pickleball National Championships, and double silver medals at the 2020 PPA Las Vegas Championships. She is sponsored by Engage Pursuit MX.
Parris Todd Pickleball
Parris Todd is a professional pickleball player who has achieved remarkable success in the sport. She was named Major League Pickleball’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 2022, after winning two titles with her team BLQK. She also won over 20 medals on the APP and PPA tours in 2022, and made history by becoming a US Open Triple Crown Winner in 2023, winning the singles, doubles, and mixed doubles events.
She is sponsored by Alo Yoga, Selkirk Sport, and A-GAME. She started playing tennis at the age of five, and became the #1 ranked junior in the country from ages 14-16 before switching to pickleball.
Callie Smith Pickleball
Callie Smith is a professional pickleball player who turned pro in 2019 and quickly built a name for herself as an impressive force on-court and someone hungry for victory. She is in the Top 5 of all three Women’s Pro pickleball divisions and is mainly found teaming up with Catherine Parenteau in Women’s Doubles.
Smith comes from a successful tennis career, having played D1 at University of Utah and competed in the PAC-12 Conference. She is the mother of two children and wife to Kyle Smith. She is sponsored by Onix Evoke Premier.
Matt Wright Pickleball
Matt Wright is a former tennis star who turned pro in pickleball in 2016. He is one of the top players in the world, ranked #2 in both men’s and mixed doubles by the PPA2. He plays with Lucy Kovalova as his set partner in mixed doubles, and has a variety of partners in men’s doubles.
He has won several major titles, including the US Open, the Tournament of Champions, and the USA National Championship. He is also a full-time attorney in Wichita, Kansas.
Riley Newman Pickleball
Riley Newman is a professional pickleball player who started playing the sport in 2017 after a successful college tennis career. He is commonly competing on Championship Sunday on the PPA Tour, and is ranked #3 in men’s doubles and #2 in mixed doubles by the PPA4.
He plays with his sister Lindsey Newman as his partner in mixed doubles, and has won gold medals at the US Open, the Las Vegas Open, the Texas Open, and the World Pickleball Championship.
Julian Arnold Pickleball
Julian Arnold is a fiery and passionate player who started playing pickleball in 2021 after playing tennis at UCLA. He turned pro less than a year later, and has earned 14 medals so far.
He was also part of a Major League Pickleball win with his team the Los Angeles Mad Drops, earning MVP of the February 2023 event. He is sponsored by Volair, Best Day Brewing and Chicken N Pickle, and is currently ranked #30 in the world by the PPA.
Tyson McGuffin
Tyson McGuffin is a 31-year-old pickleball champion who has been playing the sport professionally since 2016. He started his athletic career as a tennis player and a wrestler, but switched to pickleball after discovering the game at a local YMCA1. He quickly rose to the top of the rankings, becoming one of the best players in the world in men’s singles and doubles.
He has won five Grand Slam titles, four National Championships, and numerous other tournaments on the APP and PPA tours. He is known for his aggressive style, powerful serves, and athletic ability.
Tyson McGuffin is not only a player, but also a coach and an ambassador for pickleball. He runs his own pickleball camps across the country, where he teaches players of all levels how to improve their skills and enjoy the game. He also produces online content, such as instructional videos and podcasts, to share his tips and insights with the pickleball community. He is sponsored by Selkirk Sport, and uses their Amped Series paddle when he competes.
Tyson McGuffin is a passionate and dedicated pickleball pro who loves the sport and its fans. He is always looking for new challenges and opportunities to grow as a player and a person. He lives in Hayden, Idaho, with his wife Megan and their four children.
Scott Moore Pickleball
Scott Moore is a 58-year-old pickleball legend who has been playing the sport since 2013. He was a tennis player for over 30 years before switching to pickleball and finding his true passion.
He is known for his aggressive and powerful forehand, which has earned him the nickname “The Beast”. He is widely regarded as the number one senior male player in the world, but he also competes and wins against younger players.
Scott Moore has an impressive record of achievements in pickleball, including six triple crowns, 20 USAPA Nationals gold medals, 12 US Open gold medals, and several international titles. He has also collaborated with Paddletek to create his own signature paddle, the Bantam Sabre Pro, which features an extra-long grip and a 16 ½” paddle length to increase his speed and power. He also runs pickleball clinics and camps around the country, where he teaches players of all levels how to improve their skills and enjoy the game.
Scott Moore is a passionate and dedicated pickleball pro who loves the sport and its fans. He lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with his wife Susan. He has four sons, two of whom are also pickleball champions.
Jennifer Dawson
Jennifer Dawson is a pickleball legend who has made history as the first player to win the Triple Crown title at the US OPEN championship in 2017, sweeping the singles, doubles, and mixed doubles categories in the senior pro division.
She has also won over 20 other championship titles in various US OPEN, NATIONAL, and TOC tournaments, demonstrating her versatility and dominance in the sport.
Jennifer is not only a pickleball champion, but also a former tennis star who played on a full scholarship at the University of San Diego and coached for over three decades12. She is a family-oriented athlete who enjoys playing pickleball with her husband and two sons, as well as her parents who are in their mid-70s2. Jennifer Dawson is an inspiration to many pickleball enthusiasts and a role model for aspiring players. She is one of the players to watch at the upcoming USA Pickleball National Championships.
Pickleball Events to Watch 2023
| Event | Location | Date | Prize Pool | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MLP Season 1 | Various cities in the US | Jan 26 – June 19, 2023 | $2.4 M | 16 teams competing in a team-based format |
| APP Punta Gorda Open | Punta Gorda, FL | Jan 11-15, 2023 | N/A | First stop of the APP tour |
| APP Daytona Beach Open | Daytona Beach, FL | Feb 8-12, 2023 | N/A | Major event on the APP tour |
| MLP Season 2 | Various cities in the US | Sep 21 – Dec 11, 2023 | $2.4 M | 16 teams competing in a team-based format |
| PPA Tour Championship | Newport Beach, CA | Oct 18-22, 2023 | $100 K | Final event of the PPA tour |
| USA Pickleball National Championships | Dallas, TX | Nov 5-12, 2023 | N/A | The premier event of pickleball featuring top pros and amateurs |
Frequently Asked Questions
A: Yes, the pickleball community is constantly evolving, and new talents are emerging. Some up-and-coming players to watch out for may include younger players who have been making a mark in recent tournaments or those who show significant potential and skill development.
A: The official website of the governing body for professional pickleball, such as the Professional Pickleball Federation (PPF) or the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA), usually provides the most up-to-date rankings. These organizations maintain and update the rankings regularly.
A: Yes, many pickleball tournaments and matches are streamed live or made available for viewing online. Some platforms, such as YouTube or specialized sports streaming services, may provide coverage of professional pickleball events. Additionally, the official websites of pickleball organizations often offer information on where to watch live streams or find recorded matches.
Conclusion
The Pickleball Pro rankings provide valuable insight into the top players in the sport and offer a glimpse into the exciting world of competitive pickleball. If you’re wondering who to watch, these rankings are a great starting point to discover the most talented and skilled athletes who are making waves in the pickleball community. Keep an eye on these players as they showcase their exceptional abilities and compete for the top spots in tournaments, delivering thrilling matches and setting new standards in the sport.